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HD 649

An Act relative to improving pesticide protections for Massachusetts schoolchildren

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Brian Ashe and 5 co-sponsors

HD 649: An Act relative to improving pesticide protections for Massachusetts schoolchildren OverviewBill Number: HD 649 Title: An Act relative to improving pesticide protections f

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Bill Summary · HD 649

HD 649: An Act relative to improving pesticide protections for Massachusetts schoolchildren

Overview

Bill Number: HD 649
Title: An Act relative to improving pesticide protections for Massachusetts schoolchildren
Status: Proposed bill
Introduced: November 29, 2025

Purpose and Intent

This bill aims to strengthen regulations around the use of pesticides on school grounds in Massachusetts in order to better protect the health and safety of students. The legislation is motivated by growing concerns over the potential negative impacts of pesticide exposure on child development and rising rates of childhood illnesses linked to pesticide use.

Key Provisions

  • Bans the use of all synthetic pesticides on the grounds of public and private K-12 schools, with exceptions only for emergency situations posing immediate threats to health and safety
  • Requires schools to implement organic, non-toxic integrated pest management (IPM) programs to control pests through natural, low-impact methods
  • Mandates comprehensive training for school staff on IPM best practices and safe pesticide handling
  • Establishes a notification system to alert parents, students, and the broader community before any approved pesticide applications
  • Creates a dedicated fund to help schools transition to organic landscaping and IPM, financed through a small tax on commercial pesticide sales

Affected Parties and Impacts

This bill would directly impact all K-12 public and private schools in Massachusetts, requiring them to overhaul their pest control practices and adopt organic, non-toxic methods. Students, teachers, and school staff would benefit from reduced pesticide exposure and a healthier school environment. Local landscaping and pest control companies would need to adapt their services to comply with the new regulations.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

HD 649 was introduced in the Massachusetts House of Representatives on November 29, 2025 and has been referred to the Joint Committee on Public Health for initial review. If approved by the committee, the bill would then proceed to a full House vote. Given the bill's focus on children's health and environmental protection, it is expected to receive strong support from legislators and advocacy groups, though some opposition from the pesticide industry is also anticipated. If passed by the House and Senate, the law would take effect 12 months after the governor's signature to allow schools time to transition their pest management practices.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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